Closing arguments made in cops' trial

Closing arguments were made in the trial of three Fort Lauderdale Police officers accused of lying about what happened when they arrested a liquor thief.

"Jack Nicholson says, 'You can't handle the truth.' Well guess what ladies and gentlemen, the people of the State of Florida demand the truth," prosecutor Stefanie Newman said during closing arguments Tuesday.

The charges stem from an investigation initiated after Kenneth Post filed a complaint following his arrest on Nov. 22, 2009.

According to the arrest warrants, the three officers responded to a report of the thefts of some liquor bottles that morning at the Hilton Hotel on Southeast 17th Street and saw Post trying to run away. The officers followed him, and at some point, Post's vehicle and an unmarked police vehicle driven by Florenco collided.

Investigators said Moceri and Shaffer were also in the vehicle and helped Florenco arrest Post, who was charged with attempted homicide on a law enforcement officer, burglary, aggravated fleeing and eluding, resisting arrest with violence, aggravated assault and felony vandalism.

The Public Corruption Task Force alleged in its investigation that physical evidence and at least one witness' statement contradicted the officers' reports, probable cause affidavits and sworn testimony. Crime scene photos did not show any damage to the front of Post's white Cadillac nor to the side of the officer's unmarked police car. Witnesses told investigators that what they saw was not what the officers said happened.

"These three defendants lied in their reports," said Newman. "They didn't report that they crashed in to the rear of Kenneth Post's Cadillac. They reported that Kenneth Post struck their vehicle."